Dear Friends,
I’ll paraphrase one of Mark Twain’s most well-known
lines to greet you: the report of my departure was an
exaggeration. The search for a new dean has extended into
a new academic year, and it’s my privilege to continue
leading our College in its vital mission.

There is much to be excited about in Liberal Arts. Earlier
this spring, the College garnered the largest number of total
gifts for an academic unit in the first-ever Purdue Day of
Giving, a 24-hour online and social media event supporting
student affordability and accessibility. CLA student Brittany
Mihalec-Adkins, who was featured in the University video
for the event, shares more about how the opportunity to
attend and excel at Purdue has made an impact in her life.

Alumnus Rusty Rueff and his wife Patti also understand
the importance of providing access at Purdue as the
benefactors of the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual
and Performing Arts. On the tenth anniversary of their gift,
we celebrate their vision for the unique opportunities for
liberal arts students and faculty at the intersection of the
liberal arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering,
and math) disciplines.

While we strive to increase accessibility to higher education,
we also work to include students in the research efforts of
our College—whether developing environmental policy,
filming efforts to forge peace in Liberia, or demonstrating
how we read and understand images.

In the College of Liberal Arts, we take pride in teaching
and research that produce knowledge leading to
transformative human advances—and preparing graduates
to think broadly and lead boldly. Read on for stories
that demonstrate how our students, alumni, and
faculty do just that, and share your thoughts with us
at thinkcla@purdue.edu.